Iran ranks 11th among Islamic countries in Global Innovation Index 2025
Improved knowledge and technology outputs highlight a decade of steady progress despite structural challenges
Iran has ranked 11th among Islamic countries in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, reflecting continued progress in research capacity and knowledge-based development, according to the latest edition of the international report. This is reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
The index assessed innovation performance across 139 economies worldwide and identified the top 100 global innovation clusters. Iran placed 70th overall, marking a significant improvement compared with its position a decade ago and confirming its status as one of the fastest climbers among middle-income economies.
Among Islamic nations, the highest rankings were recorded by the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. Within its income category, Iran ranked 17th among 36 upper middle-income economies.
Over the past ten years, Iran’s position in the index has improved markedly, rising from 106th in 2015 to 70th in 2025. Its strongest performance was recorded in 2022, when it reached 53rd place globally. Recent results show relative stability, with rankings of 67th in 2020, 60th in 2021, 62nd in 2023 and 64th in 2024.
In the 2025 edition, Iran advanced three places in knowledge and technology outputs, moving from 49th to 46th. The country achieved its highest global ranking, 24th, in the knowledge impact indicator, which measures how innovation and scientific output translate into economic and social outcomes. Iran also improved its standing in overall innovation outputs, ranking 45th, up from 52nd the previous year.
The 2025 findings point to increasing diversification of innovation momentum, with strong performances across middle-income economies. Alongside Iran, countries such as China, India and Vietnam continue to climb the rankings, while regions including Central and Southern Asia and the Middle East are steadily strengthening their innovation ecosystems.
Photo: Panya7 / iStock
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